Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 whole mandarin fish (about 1.5 lbs), cleaned and scaled
- 1 cup soy sauce
- 1 cup water
- 1/2 cup rice wine
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon grated ginger
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup snow peas, trimmed
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons water
Special equipment needed:
- Large skillet or wok with lid
Step-by-step instructions:
1. In a large skillet or wok, combine soy sauce, water, rice wine, brown sugar, ginger, garlic, sesame oil, and black pepper. Stir until sugar is dissolved.
2. Add the mandarin fish to the skillet and spoon the sauce over it. Bring the sauce to a boil over medium-high heat.
3. Reduce heat to low, cover the skillet, and simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the fish is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork.
4. Remove the fish from the skillet and set aside on a serving platter.
5. Add the snow peas and green onions to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes, or until the snow peas are tender-crisp.
6. In a small bowl, whisk together cornstarch and water. Add the mixture to the skillet and stir until the sauce thickens.
7. Pour the sauce and snow peas over the fish on the serving platter.
Time:
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 25 minutes
Temperature:
Medium-high heat for boiling, low heat for simmering
Serving size:
4 servings
Nutritional information:
Calories: 320
Fat: 7g
Carbohydrates: 19g
Protein: 44g
Sodium: 2900mg
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Any white fish can be used instead of mandarin fish.
- Mirin or white wine can be used instead of rice wine.
- Honey or maple syrup can be used instead of brown sugar.
- Broccoli or green beans can be used instead of snow peas.
Variations:
- Add sliced carrots or bell peppers for extra color and flavor.
- Use chicken or beef instead of fish.
- Add chili flakes or hot sauce for a spicy kick.
Tips and tricks:
- Make sure to spoon the sauce over the fish while cooking to ensure even flavor.
- Don't overcook the fish, as it will become dry and tough.
- Use a fish spatula to carefully remove the fish from the skillet without breaking it.
Storage instructions:
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating instructions:
Reheat in a skillet or microwave until heated through.
Presentation ideas:
Serve the fish on a bed of rice and garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds.
Garnishes:
Sliced green onions and sesame seeds
Pairings:
Steamed rice and a side of stir-fried vegetables
Suggested side dishes:
Stir-fried vegetables or steamed rice
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the sauce is too salty, add more water or sugar to balance the flavor.
- If the fish is not cooked through, cover the skillet and simmer for a few more minutes.
Food safety advice:
- Make sure the fish is fully cooked before serving.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator within 2 hours of cooking.
Food history:
Mandarin fish is a popular freshwater fish in China, known for its delicate flavor and tender texture. Soy-braised fish is a traditional Chinese dish that has been enjoyed for centuries.
Flavor profiles:
Savory, sweet, umami
Serving suggestions:
Serve hot with steamed rice and a side of stir-fried vegetables.
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Region: Chinese